Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will examine key beliefs in Buddhism. They will examine key concepts such as dhamma and the idea of the human condition. They will gain an understanding of Buddhist ideas about suffering and the way to end it. They will also examine the story of Gautama Buddha.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain Buddhist beliefs on Arhat ideals, why they are important, and how they influence Buddhists today.

Key Notes

• The Theravada Arhat path is sometimes called the 'lesser vehicle', but this is less common due to negative connotations.
• Theravada Buddhism is one of the oldest schools of Buddhism.
• Theravada Buddhism see the Arhat path as leading to enlightenment, reaching the goal of Nirvana, the end of suffering.
• An Arhat sees pleasure as a distraction and aims to completely remove craving and desires.
• The Arhat path influences Theravada Buddhists to seek perfection in understanding and enacting the Buddha's teachings.

Vocabulary To Learn

• enlightenment: a state of wisdom that enables total clarity and understanding of the truths of existence
• human destiny: the path a Buddhist will take to achieve enlightenment
• Theravada: the school of Buddhism mainly found in Sri Lanka and Thailand; it is an older tradition than Mahayana
• Arhat: a perfected person; in Theravada Buddhism, this is a term for a person who has become enlightened

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• The Arhat path is followed by all Buddhists.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Bodhisattva ideals Study Guide
• Human personality Study Guide
• Karma and rebirth Study Guide
• Mahayana: the Six Perfections Study Guide
• The Buddha Study Guide
• The Buddhist Threefold Way Study Guide
• The Dhamma Study Guide
• The Four Noble Truths: suffering Study Guide
• The Four Noble Truths: the Eightfold Path Study Guide
• The Four Noble Truths: the Three Poisons Study Guide